MartyE posted:I got off the phone cautiously optimistic. That's the best I can describe it. Again, we'll see what happens.
I personally am grateful for your efforts Marty. I am also cautiously optimistic. I hope they have some information before York. It would be nice to take that off my to do list when I visit the booths next week. Maybe the other 2 cars may be on display in their booth. I have pictures of the RPO on my phone to compare.
Thanks, Marty. Acting together on this, politely and with respect, is the way to go IMHO.
Paul Kallus posted:Thanks, Marty. Acting together on this, politely and with respect, is the way to go IMHO.
I 100% agree Paul. Thanks to everyone keeping the thread on track. I think Paul was the one who got the calls started. I followed his lead. I did speak to Katie and she was very pleasant to deal with. Lionel has a good person on the front line to deal with us knuckleheads. LOL!
FWIW: I followed up with Lionel and my dealer and like Marty am optimistic. I don't want to use names of customer service people I spoke to as that could get into "he said, she said", suffice it to say that Lionel dealers should be receiving official instructions from Lionel any day now on instructions of what to do. I'll check again with my dealer next week.
I still encourage everyone who purchased the RPO cars and who would like resolution of the color mismatch to call Lionel and their dealer.
As an aside, there's an amusing history of us Polar Express train nuts, foamers, whatever you want to call us, who have long endeavored to lobby Lionel for O-scale variations of their popular traditional Polar Express line of trains. I remember the early days (2004-2008) very well; there were some spirited discussions back then, including a fair amount of criticisms. I get a good chuckle thinking of this history, but its all part of the fun and evolution of hi-rail 
Paul, have you heard anything further? I asked my dealer over the weekend and he didn’t know anything about a potential fix from Lionel.
Paul Kallus posted:FWIW: I followed up with Lionel and my dealer and like Marty am optimistic. I don't want to use names of customer service people I spoke to as that could get into "he said, she said", suffice it to say that Lionel dealers should be receiving official instructions from Lionel any day now on instructions of what to do. I'll check again with my dealer next week.
I still encourage everyone who purchased the RPO cars and who would like resolution of the color mismatch to call Lionel and their dealer.
As an aside, there's an amusing history of us Polar Express train nuts, foamers, whatever you want to call us, who have long endeavored to lobby Lionel for O-scale variations of their popular traditional Polar Express line of trains. I remember the early days (2004-2008) very well; there were some spirited discussions back then, including a fair amount of criticisms. I get a good chuckle thinking of this history, but its all part of the fun and evolution of hi-rail
Paul
Thanks for the follow up. I'm glad you are optimistic as well.
I talked to Ryan yesterday about a few things including the polar RPO car, passenger cars, TriPolar (Polar Express BiPolar) and another concern. He assured me that the RPO would be addressed and that the passengers cars and BiPolar would be correct Polar Colors.
As unfortunate as the RPO car is I feel very confident that Lionel will take care of it. Thanks to Ryan to take the time to listen and address my concerns.
MartyE posted:I talked to Ryan yesterday about a few things including the polar RPO car, passenger cars, TriPolar (Polar Express BiPolar) and another concern. He assured me that the RPO would be addressed and that the passengers cars and BiPolar would be correct Polar Colors.
As unfortunate as the RPO car is I feel very confident that Lionel will take care of it. Thanks to Ryan to take the time to listen and address my concerns.
Same here from my visit. They Okayed the RPOs for release, but caught color difference with the Bi-polar. Response to Ryan internally was “its right because it matches the RPO”. I can’t say here what Ryan’s response was verbatim. It would be deleted. They may do shells or complete exchange. We will be notified.
The bright spot here is that we don’t have the same problem with your Bi-polar, of ordered. They caught it. Kudos to Ryan.
The color mis-match on the RPO cars is one of those QC issues that stands a better chance of being addressed by Lionel if enough customers complain. This is essentially what my dealer and I discussed, and I've been encouraging others via this forum to make calls, and thanks to those who did and you guys who met Lionel reps at York.
Just like in anything, their has to be a significant enough "magnitude" of consumers contacting a company and the store where purchased. Sometimes, we take for granted that others will take the initiative, but in my experience this is mistake.
Hopefully, Lionel will come through with replacement shells for the RPO cars, or at least take them back and re-paint them.
Thanks to Paul and Marty! Keep us posted.
I have expressed my concern to my dealer and Lionel.
Thanks for the updates, guys. Did they give you any idea when they would announce the fix for the RPOs?
Anything new on this?
I know this is off topic but I wonder why they didn't make the abandoned toy car.
feet posted:I know this is off topic but I wonder why they didn't make the abandoned toy car.
You’re right. Off topic. News to me because I’ve had one on pre-order. At York, Ryan said the ATC was still coming along with the hot chocolate car.
Post it as a separate topic and you will get more specific responses and answers. You can also email them and get the official word. Then post their response so other interested people will know.
feet posted:I know this is off topic but I wonder why they didn't make the abandoned toy car.
There hasn't been any updates that I know of. Without direct information we should probably just wait and see or contact Lionel directly. In answer to your other question, not entirely off topic, yes they are making the toy car. I have one on order too.
Grow your The Polar Express world with our The Polar Express Abandoned Toy Car!
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s19)PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MartyE posted:feet posted:I know this is off topic but I wonder why they didn't make the abandoned toy car.
There hasn't been any updates that I know of. Without direct information we should probably just wait and see or contact Lionel directly. In answer to your other question, not entirely off topic, yes they are making the toy car. I have one on order too.
THE POLAR EXPRESS ABANDONED TOY CAR SKU: 1927640
Grow your The Polar Express world with our The Polar Express Abandoned Toy Car!
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s19)
- Printed toys and six molded toys in interior
- Die-cast sprung six-wheel trucks
- Operating couples with hidden uncoupling tabs
- Flexible diaphragms between cars
- Opening doors
- Detailed interiors with figures
- Flicker-free interior LED lighting
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- Gauge: O Gauge
- Scale Type: Traditional
- Power: Electric
- Min Curve: O54
- Dimensions: Length: 18"
Thank you Marty. Taking it a step further, at York, Ryan stated the ATC & HCC were produced in a different factory, and the paint is correct. I could not think of why The big "L" would not produce a car for a popular series. I have not followed up lately, but I think they were coming around Nov. If it is like the 5-car set, they will come in between Christmas and New Years. Time will tell.
Thanks to those who replied to my post. I will look and se if I can order one.
I ordered mine through MM in Atlanta, IN. Give Jeff a call and see if they ordered extras. Won't do you much good, but you can drop my name or the forum. Steve is always posting new sales.
In fairness, there are many dealers that have great service. This one came to mind because I pre-ordered mine from them.
FWIW: As of today, my dealer (Charles Ro) hasn't heard from Lionel on the color mis-match, and from my last correspondence with Lionel the customer service rep told me that Lionel would be communicating to their authorized dealer network.
Whereas I was optimistic about a month ago I am now a bit pessimistic. I think the cars were issued a couple of months ago to dealers and I would've think Lionel would've issued a recall notice by now. Then again I am old-school in my way of business thinking, so what do I know.
I'll follow-up with Charles Ro in a couple of weeks...if Lionel hasn't issued a remedy by then I suppose I'll need to decide whether to send the RPO's back for a refund or keep them as-is.
Paul
I am being patient. York was 3 weeks ago and when I spoke with Ryan he was very understanding and I still feel they will make it right. I imagine they just need to find a spot to get these redone.
Was it ever determined why the scale RPO was 16-1/2" rather than the 18" like the rest of the scale passenger cars? Do you think Lionel might reissue the scale RPO at 18" and with the correct color?
smilesrs posted:Was it ever determined why the scale RPO was 16-1/2" rather than the 18" like the rest of the scale passenger cars? Do you think Lionel might reissue the scale RPO at 18" and with the correct color?
Prototype RPO's were usually shorter than regular passenger cars.
Rusty
MartyE posted:Paul
I am being patient. York was 3 weeks ago and when I spoke with Ryan he was very understanding and I still feel they will make it right. I imagine they just need to find a spot to get these redone.
Marty,
I hope you still have patience. I spoke to customer service last week. They said they were still awaiting direction from management. Nothing going on of imminent in their opinion. Somehow, I think this one might just go away, instead of being fixed.
I called my dealer in Indiana. They said they would look into it. I won't hold my breath.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:MartyE posted:Paul
I am being patient. York was 3 weeks ago and when I spoke with Ryan he was very understanding and I still feel they will make it right. I imagine they just need to find a spot to get these redone.
Marty,
I hope you still have patience. I spoke to customer service last week. They said they were still awaiting direction from management. Nothing going on of imminent in their opinion. Somehow, I think this one might just go away, instead of being fixed.
I called my dealer in Indiana. They said they would look into it. I won't hold my breath.
I'm still optimistic. While it's unfortunate, coming up with a plan, finding a spot to make new shells, and then implementing it takes time.
MartyE posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:MartyE posted:Paul
I am being patient. York was 3 weeks ago and when I spoke with Ryan he was very understanding and I still feel they will make it right. I imagine they just need to find a spot to get these redone.
Marty,
I hope you still have patience. I spoke to customer service last week. They said they were still awaiting direction from management. Nothing going on of imminent in their opinion. Somehow, I think this one might just go away, instead of being fixed.
I called my dealer in Indiana. They said they would look into it. I won't hold my breath.
I'm still optimistic. While it's unfortunate, coming up with a plan, finding a spot to make new shells, and then implementing it takes time.
Spoke with CS this morning. Shells are currently in production. Big L will post details when they are ready to publish. They will accept returns through dealer.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:MartyE posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:MartyE posted:Paul
I am being patient. York was 3 weeks ago and when I spoke with Ryan he was very understanding and I still feel they will make it right. I imagine they just need to find a spot to get these redone.
Marty,
I hope you still have patience. I spoke to customer service last week. They said they were still awaiting direction from management. Nothing going on of imminent in their opinion. Somehow, I think this one might just go away, instead of being fixed.
I called my dealer in Indiana. They said they would look into it. I won't hold my breath.
I'm still optimistic. While it's unfortunate, coming up with a plan, finding a spot to make new shells, and then implementing it takes time.
Spoke with CS this morning. Shells are currently in production. Big L will post details when they are ready to publish. They will accept returns through dealer.
This is excellent news! Many thanks for posting the update.
I am going to send mine back to Charles Ro due to unconfirmed conversation with them and Lionel last week for a refund. If they produce a correct version then I may choose to repurchase again but what a disappointment. I wish I would have found this tread before I purchased it for this past Christmas as it sticks out like a sore thumb.
Rider Sandman posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:Spoke with CS this morning. Shells are currently in production. Big L will post details when they are ready to publish. They will accept returns through dealer.
This is excellent news! Many thanks for posting the update.
Has anybody heard anything official on this? I think the hobo car in the new catalog would be fun to add, but I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger with the RPO unresolved. It would give me confidence to buy the hobo car if they acknowledged the RPO’s were wrong and not otherwise within an “acceptable variation”.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:I ordered mine through MM in Atlanta, IN. Give Jeff a call and see if they ordered extras. Won't do you much good, but you can drop my name or the forum. Steve is always posting new sales.
In fairness, there are many dealers that have great service. This one came to mind because I pre-ordered mine from them.
Got my toy car thru Charles Ro in Dec. Haven't inspected it yet as I can't get around very good do to a broken ankle.
Rider Sandman posted:Rider Sandman posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:Spoke with CS this morning. Shells are currently in production. Big L will post details when they are ready to publish. They will accept returns through dealer.
This is excellent news! Many thanks for posting the update.
Has anybody heard anything official on this? I think the hobo car in the new catalog would be fun to add, but I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger with the RPO unresolved. It would give me confidence to buy the hobo car if they acknowledged the RPO’s were wrong and not otherwise within an “acceptable variation”.
All the additional passenger cars I received were a match to the earlier cars. The RPO car is the only exception.
MartyE posted:Rider Sandman posted:Rider Sandman posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:Spoke with CS this morning. Shells are currently in production. Big L will post details when they are ready to publish. They will accept returns through dealer.
This is excellent news! Many thanks for posting the update.
Has anybody heard anything official on this? I think the hobo car in the new catalog would be fun to add, but I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger with the RPO unresolved. It would give me confidence to buy the hobo car if they acknowledged the RPO’s were wrong and not otherwise within an “acceptable variation”.
All the additional passenger cars I received were a match to the earlier cars. The RPO car is the only exception.
Same as Marty. RPO was different factory. My gut is that they will shoot the new shells when they make the New Hobo car. Like powder coating, a cost is incurred when setting up the paint batch. That assumes good managing expenses and economy of scale.
Actually the white roof cars are ever so slightly off. They need to add just a little more gray to the mix. Most folks wouldn't notice unless the paintwork is side by side. The white roof creates an optical illusion making it appear lighter as well.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:MartyE posted:Rider Sandman posted:Rider Sandman posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:Spoke with CS this morning. Shells are currently in production. Big L will post details when they are ready to publish. They will accept returns through dealer.
This is excellent news! Many thanks for posting the update.
Has anybody heard anything official on this? I think the hobo car in the new catalog would be fun to add, but I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger with the RPO unresolved. It would give me confidence to buy the hobo car if they acknowledged the RPO’s were wrong and not otherwise within an “acceptable variation”.
All the additional passenger cars I received were a match to the earlier cars. The RPO car is the only exception.
Same as Marty. RPO was different factory. My gut is that they will shoot the new shells when they make the New Hobo car. Like powder coating, a cost is incurred when setting up the paint batch. That assumes good managing expenses and economy of scale.
While less than desirable, I would be fine with that scenario. I would just appreciate if they would say something - anything at all - about the issue and their willingness to fix it (or not).
Volphin posted:Actually the white roof cars are ever so slightly off. They need to add just a little more gray to the mix. Most folks wouldn't notice unless the paintwork is side by side. The white roof creates an optical illusion making it appear lighter as well.
Really!
Big Jim posted:Volphin posted:Actually the white roof cars are ever so slightly off. They need to add just a little more gray to the mix. Most folks wouldn't notice unless the paintwork is side by side. The white roof creates an optical illusion making it appear lighter as well.
Really!
Well captain obvious, if you had read the second comment above mine you MAY have understood the context of my post... I'll let you figure it out on your own there Sparky.
OK, for you friends with the same issue. Ryan with Lionel posted a topic that addresses the incorrect striping on the recently released J Class locomotives. Refunds, repaint etc...
With our Scale RPOs, lionel has acknowledged the problem (Customer Service Phone Calls & my conversation with Ryan at York last October). I realize this is not a $1,700 item, but we are not getting the same love by the Big L. Please reach out to Ryan if you want to keep this alive.
I was hoping they would paint shells when they produce the Hobo Car announced in the latest catalog. If we are to get the color right, that may be the best time when they paint the Hobos.
I will share that I am hesitant to order add on cars from a different catalog.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:
I will share that I am hesitant to order add on cars from a different catalog.
The latest passenger cars were fine and matched what I received last year. I was very happy with them and the BiPolar. Lionel did an excellent job on these.
The RPO car I am still waiting to see if anything will be done on it. If you are hoping people will contact Lionel, good luck with that. It seems like "somebody else will do it" is standard operating procedure for most.
MartyE posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:
I will share that I am hesitant to order add on cars from a different catalog.
The latest passenger cars were fine and matched what I received last year. I was very happy with them and the BiPolar. Lionel did an excellent job on these.
The RPO car I am still waiting to see if anything will be done on it. If you are hoping people will contact Lionel, good luck with that. It seems like "somebody else will do it" is standard operating procedure for most.
The purpose here is to encourage action to Lionel, to make this right. If no one does, then the next step is to darken the blue with a Tamiya Dulcote or a light smoke mixture. Not the end of the world, but would be nice if we could nudge a fix. If the wheel is greased or not moving, it will not be fixed. I'm hoping the wheel squeaks enough for a factory response similar to the more expensive engines.
I emailed Lionel earlier this week but have not received any response.
As I have four calls into Lionel service and 3 into Charles Ro on this matter, I guess I am a broken record to them. Am trying to stay optimistic.
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